Combimouse now that's an evil keyboard

Combimouse, a crossbreed of keyboard and mouse looks pretty strange to say the least. On the one hand we have a patented and award winning design and on the other hand we have users who will surely think twice before they give this a try. Let us see how this works. You can type normally and once you need to use the mouse you use your right hand to touch a certain spot on the right unit to activate mouse mode. This means there is no way to hit the keys accidentally while using mouse mode or move the cursor while typing.

It actually does not look that bad in motion, take a look at this presentation video to get an idea on how Combimouse works. It still seems to be kinda awkward to move the right unit as a mouse especially when you consider that some keys on the right unit function as mouse buttons when in mouse mode. Would you consider buying this?

You can check out the manufacturer's website for detailed information on how this mouse-keyboard combination is working. Both units work in keyboard mode by default. When you touch the contact switch on the right unit, it switches to mouse mode, and the keyboard keys i,o,j,k,l and < become mouse buttons that you can click on for mouse activities.

The left unit is stationary and provides the function of the left hand side of a conventional QWERTY keyboard. The right unit has a similar mass and centre of gravity to a conventional mouse. It also has a similar grip. Depending on the support surface it can have any desired mobility. The mechanism for ensuring mobility during mouse mode, and stability during keyboard mode is achieved in a novel way which is not shown on this website for confidentiality reasons.

According to the manufacturer website, switching between mouse and keyboard mode is intuitive, and the transition period between two modes is insignificant.

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About Martin Brinkmann

Martin Brinkmann is a journalist from Germany who founded Ghacks Technology News Back in 2005. He is passionate about all things tech and knows the Internet and computers like the back of his hand.You can follow Martin on Facebook, Twitter or Google+

I would consider it, but there are times when it’s nice to use the mouse AND the right half of the keyboard. It’s a good idea, because sometimes I get frustrated switching between the mouse and keyboard. But, one thing I noticed, right off, is that this is set up for righty’s only. I can use the mouse just as well, with my right hand, as I do my left, but if I were playing a first person shooter(being left-handed) I would want a different setup. Still I looks wicked and I might just buy it because of that. :)

About gHacks

Ghacks is a technology news blog that was founded in 2005 by Martin Brinkmann. It has since then become one of the most popular tech news sites on the Internet with five authors and regular contributions from freelance writers.